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Allergies: prevention is possible
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four children in the world is predisposed to allergy. Among 3-6 year olds, respiratory allergy is one of the most common chronic diseases. As for food allergy, children are three times more affected than adults. The phenomenon is growing. WHO predicts that by 2050, one in two people will have developed at least one allergy. Several leads explain this explosion. Some doctors blame excessive hygiene in developed countries. A paradox ? Not so sure, because by dint of wanting to live in a sanitized environment, children are less in contact with infectious agents. Results : their immune system, less stimulated, would therefore be more fragile. This would promote the development of allergies. To support this theory, studies show that children from large families, those who go to nursery, or those who live in the countryside and are often in repeated contact with animals, are less allergic.
Where do allergies come from?
As a reminder, the immune system is at the forefront of the allergic response that identifies certain molecules (pollens, mites, food, etc.) as being dangerous. The body overreacts with a series of inflammatory manifestations – runny nose, eczema, swelling of the lips, etc. – and in extreme cases, an anaphylactic shock which can be fatal. Another cause put forward to explain this boom in allergies: climatic conditions, and in particular atmospheric pollution both outside and in our homes. “So many irritating factors for the respiratory system of the youngest,” says Dr Isabelle Annesi-Mæsano. Small precision: not only, certain pollutants play a role in the development of asthma and allergies, but especially they aggravate the allergic reactions, being associated with them. Among the most common are ozone, nitrogen oxides or microparticles from exhaust or combustion gases. In addition, climate change and pollution increase the length of pollen seasons. On the side of food allergies, the change in our consumption habits is also called into question. The shelves of the stores are filled with more and more exotic fruits, spices and new condiments. We consume more industrial products that may contain allergens (flavor enhancers, thickeners, sweeteners, etc.). Faced with so many new things, the body of toddlers sometimes has trouble adapting and risks developing an allergy.
The major role of genetics
But if these environmental factors are pointed out, the fact remains that genetics play a key role in their appearance, even if it does not explain the increase in allergies. Indeed, the main risk of developing an allergy is the hereditary factor. A child with one parent who is allergic has about a 40% risk of becoming so. If both parents have it, the risk climbs to 60%, or even 80% if they both have the same allergy. We then say that the child has an “atopic ground”. However, not all children at “risk” develop an allergy, and certain preventive measures during pregnancy and the baby’s first months can be a game-changer. Thus, pregnant women are recommended not to smoke. Of course, there are other medical reasons, but numerous studies show that the smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in children. As for breastfeeding, it could delay the onset of eczema in the baby and limit its severity. Finally, respecting the right tempo during food diversification would prevent the onset of allergies.
Early detection
Thus, certain means of prevention can therefore limit the risks. And that’s not all. By focusing on early detection, it is also possible to prevent the aggravation of allergic symptoms, as well as the development of new allergies. Because it is a progressive disease which, lack of treatment or prevention, can worsen. A toddler with a nasal dust mite or pollen allergy may later develop asthma. In addition, this allows suitable measures to be quickly initiated. And we know that the earlier the treatment is started, the more effective it is. Hence the importance of being attentive to certain repetitive symptoms in your child or which appear in certain seasons. The signs to look out for: runny nose, itching, weeping eyes, cough … In infants, the most common allergic manifestations are skin reactions (eczema), or digestive reactions (bloating, regurgitation). Next, it is important to see a doctor to make a diagnosis. He will ask you about your family history, the presence of animals at home… So much information to guide you towards a food, respiratory or skin allergy. Then the allergist takes over. Thanks to a thorough assessment, he will identify the culprit allergens. With skin tests, called Prick tests. Performed on the arms or on the back for babies, they are painless and can be performed from the first months. Generally, these tests are sufficient to target the allergens, but the allergist can also request a blood test in order to measure the specific immunoglobulins E (IgE), the antibodies of the allergy. These blood tests are used to assess the intensity of the allergy. and to define which molecule is involved. An essential prerequisite for appropriate and most comfortable care possible for the child.
Testimonial: “No school for my daughters during pollution peaks! “
The air would not necessarily be better in the mountains! And some parents even come to take drastic measures, as Dr Champly testifies:
“More and more children who live near Chamonix are affected by symptoms related to poor air quality, such as chronic coughs or asthma attacks, unrelated to any allergy. Consultations at Sallanches hospital and with pediatricians increase during alert peaks. Yet the mountain is instinctively associated with clean air. But, in reality, the sources of pollution are numerous: wood heating, busy highways. As the valleys are steeped in, the “ventilation” is bad and the microparticles accumulate. Some parents I see in consultation even modify their practices, such as waiting for periods of rain to let their child play outside again, because this allows the microparticles in suspension to be deposited on the ground. It is worrying when these constraints start to impact our habits! But we have no choice. Moreover, with my wife, we have a ritual during pollution peaks: we check the air quality of our region on air-rhonealpes.fr, airparif.asso.fr… If there is an alert, we don’t send our daughters to school. Because no measure is taken by the municipality to prohibit recreation. However, when the air is too polluted, it is necessary to limit any significant physical effort (even just running) to prevent the microparticles from penetrating too far into the lungs. Parents should ask principals not to leave children outside at these times. “.
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